Culinary Arts (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Southeast Community College Area

Median Earnings (1yr)

$36,734

95th percentile

Median Debt

$19,146

65% above national median

Analysis

Southeast Community College's culinary certificate produces graduates earning $36,734 their first year—nearly 70% more than the typical culinary certificate nationally. That's a striking difference in a field where many programs leave graduates struggling at $21,000 or less. The higher debt load ($19,146 versus $11,634 nationally) reflects this premium positioning, but with debt at just half of first-year earnings, graduates face manageable repayment relative to their income.

The state context adds an important wrinkle: this is one of only four culinary programs in Nebraska, and it sits at the median for both earnings and debt in-state. While the program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, that 60th percentile state ranking suggests Nebraska's culinary market may simply pay better than most states, rather than this program being uniquely excellent. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year.

For parents weighing this program, the math works far better than most culinary certificates. Your child would graduate with reasonable debt and earn more immediately than three-quarters of culinary certificate holders nationwide. Just understand you're paying a Nebraska premium, and the small graduating class means the program's outcomes could look different for your student's cohort.

Where Southeast Community College Area Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all culinary arts certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Southeast Community College Area graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Culinary Arts certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Southeast Community College AreaLincoln	$3,540	$36,734	—	$19,146	0.52
Saint Paul CollegeSaint Paul	$6,318	$32,478	—	$17,500	0.54
Dallas CollegeDallas	$2,370	$30,484	—	$9,218	0.30
Arizona Culinary InstituteScottsdale	—	$29,223	$29,859	$9,500	0.33
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusIndiana	$11,380	$29,155	—	$12,000	0.41
Montgomery County Community CollegeBlue Bell	$6,270	$28,885	—	—	—
National Median	—	$21,718	—	$11,634	0.54

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with culinary arts graduates

Food Scientists and Technologists

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Food Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.

$65,310/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Chefs and Head Cooks

Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

$60,990/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Butchers and Meat Cutters

Cut, trim, or prepare consumer-sized portions of meat for use or sale in retail establishments.

$38,960/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Bakers

Mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, or other baked goods.

$36,650/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.

$35,760/yrJobs growth:

Cooks, Private Household

Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.

$35,760/yrJobs growth:

Cooks, Restaurant

Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

$35,760/yrJobs growth:

Cooks, All Other

All cooks not listed separately.

$35,760/yrJobs growth:

Bartenders

Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.

$33,530/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Southeast Community College Area, approximately 21% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 21 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.